U.S Presidency Flashcards
Presidential Power of Persuasion – Influence on Political Parties: How does the president act as the party leader to influence political parties?
The president shapes the party’s agenda through public speeches, executive actions, and policy proposals.
Example: Donald Trump reshaped the Republican Party towards populism, economic nationalism, and a confrontational foreign policy.
Presidential Power of Persuasion – Influence on Political Parties: What is the bully pulpit, and how does it help the president influence party ideas?
The president’s ability to command media attention influences public opinion, pressuring party members to align with presidential priorities.
Example: Barack Obama rallied public and party support for the Affordable Care Act during the 2010 healthcare reform debate.
Presidential Power of Persuasion – Influence on Political Parties: How does the president influence policies by setting the legislative agenda?
The president’s State of the Union address and public statements guide Congress’s focus and policy priorities.
Example: George W. Bush’s post-9/11 leadership influenced Republican priorities like the War on Terror and the Patriot Act.
Presidential Power of Persuasion – Influence on Political Parties: How do party ideology and grassroots movements influence political parties more than presidential persuasion?
Broader ideological shifts and activism can shape party agendas, sometimes influencing presidents instead.
Example: The Tea Party movement shifted Republican priorities towards fiscal conservatism and limited government.
Presidential Power of Persuasion – Influence on Political Parties: Why are electoral considerations and public opinion significant in shaping party policies?
Politicians often prioritise constituents’ preferences and re-election prospects over presidential influence.
Example: Senator Joe Manchin opposed Biden’s environmental agenda due to West Virginia’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Presidential Power of Persuasion – Influence on Political Parties: How do congressional power and party divisions limit presidential influence?
Congressional leaders can resist presidential persuasion, maintaining significant control over party policy.
Example: Republican Senator John McCain opposed Trump’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act in 2017.
Presidential Power and Federalism: How has the expansion of executive power through executive orders impacted federalism?
Presidents increasingly use executive orders to implement policy without relying on Congress, often bypassing state authority.
Example: Barack Obama’s executive action on immigration (DACA, 2012) protected undocumented immigrants without congressional approval.
Presidential Power and Federalism: How do crisis situations lead to a decline in federalism?
National crises (e.g., wars, economic downturns) often result in expanded presidential power, centralising authority at the federal level.
Example: After 9/11, George W. Bush expanded surveillance powers through the Patriot Act, increasing federal control over national security.
Presidential Power and Federalism: What is the nationalisation of policy issues, and how does it affect federalism?
The president’s role as a national figure shifts political focus from state-level governance to federal leadership.
Example: The Affordable Care Act (2010) shifted healthcare debates from state to national levels.
Presidential Power and Federalism: How does the 10th Amendment protect federalism against presidential power growth?
The U.S. Constitution protects state powers, preventing federal authority from completely undermining federalism.
Example: In NFIB v. Sebelius (2012), the Supreme Court upheld the ACA but limited the federal government’s power to force Medicaid expansion on states.
Presidential Power and Federalism: How do states’ rights movements and legal challenges maintain federalism?
States regularly challenge federal authority through lawsuits, maintaining a balance of power.
Example: Democratic-led states challenged Trump’s immigration bans in Hawaii v. Trump (2018).
Presidential Power and Federalism: How does the Supreme Court reinforce federalism?
The Court limits federal overreach, ensuring states retain constitutional powers.
Example: In Dobbs v. Jackson (2022), the Court repealed nationwide abortion law, reinforcing state autonomy.
Presidency as the Most Powerful Branch of Government: How does the Commander-in-Chief role make the president powerful?
The president has direct control over the military, allowing for swift, unilateral decisions in foreign policy and national security.
Example: Barack Obama authorised the Navy SEAL operation that killed Osama bin Laden (2011), demonstrating decisive military leadership.
Presidency as the Most Powerful Branch of Government: How do executive orders and unilateral actions enhance presidential power?
Presidents can issue executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations to enact significant policy changes without congressional approval.
Example: Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14148, rescinding several executive orders related to DEI policies.
Presidency as the Most Powerful Branch of Government: How does the president’s control over the executive branch increase their power?
The president oversees federal agencies, influencing law implementation and regulation enforcement.
Example: George W. Bush expanded executive power by creating the Department of Homeland Security after 9/11.
Presidency as the Most Powerful Branch of Government: How does Congress’s power of the purse limit presidential power?
Congress controls federal spending, limiting the president’s ability to fund initiatives without legislative approval.
Example: During the 2018–2019 government shutdown, Trump couldn’t secure funding for his border wall without Congress.
Presidency as the Most Powerful Branch of Government: Why is legislative authority considered a key source of congressional power?
Only Congress can create, amend, and repeal laws, holding foundational authority in the U.S. political system.
Example: The Affordable Care Act (2010) was passed through Congress, and only Congress can fully repeal or amend it.
Presidency as the Most Powerful Branch of Government: How does impeachment power act as a check on presidential authority?
Congress can impeach and remove the president, providing a direct constitutional check on executive power.
Example: Donald Trump was impeached twice—once for soliciting foreign election interference (2020) and once for incitement of insurrection (2021).
